U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

09/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/05/2024 07:36

Draft Recovery Plan Now Available for Barrens Topminnow

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is excited to announce a draft recovery plan for the Barrens topminnow, a small fish only found in spring-fed streams of the Barrens Plateau in middle Tennessee. Listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2019, its draft recovery plan is now available here:

https://www.fws.gov/program/recovery/recovery-plans

Recovery plans are crucial for coordinating efforts and resources towards conserving endangered or threatened species, providing hope for these species' future. This recovery plan outlines the criteria for delisting the species, along with necessary site-specific actions and their estimated time and costs. The plan for the Barrens topminnow focuses on recovery actions such as habitat restoration and acquisition, invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species removal, population monitoring, and captive breeding for release.

The Service is seeking review and comment on this draft recovery plan from local, state, and federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the public until 10/12/2024.

Specifically, we are seeking submission of any information that enhances the necessary understanding of the (1) species' biology and threats and (2) recovery needs and related implementation issues or concerns, to ensure that we have assembled, considered, and incorporated the best available scientific and commercial information into the draft recovery plan for this species. 

The Barrens topminnow and its stream habitat are threatened by agricultural development, sedimentation, impoundments, and droughts. Also complicating its chances for survival are its small population size, restricted range, and low genetic diversity. However, the biggest threat to the continued existence of the topminnow is the western mosquitofish. Native to Tennessee, but not the Barrens Plateau, the mosquitofish was likely introduced to the plateau in the 1960s to control mosquitos.

Public participation is vital in shaping these plans and can help ensure these plans are effective and successful. For more information on the Barrens topminnow, visit the Species Profile here:

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5045

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit https://www.fws.gov/program/southeast-region. Connect with us on social media: Facebook, X, Flickr, and YouTube.